High Strung: A Glass Bead Mystery (The Glass Bead Mystery Series) (20 page)

“
In fact, that was going to be the name of her shop ‘Happily Ever Arfter,’” I said.

“
Arfter?”

“
Yes, get it? It’s a play on words.”

“
I get it, but it’s too cute for words,” Tessa said.

“
You mean cuter than ‘dog necklaces?’” I asked.

“
Yes, just about that cute,” Tessa said.

“
But Rosie beat her to the punch. She got the place, and rented it right from out from under her friend.”

“Not nice,” said
Tessa.

“
No, not at all,” I agreed, “but at least Rosie didn’t go around murdering people.”

“
I wish we could get Rosie to lighten up. I wonder how?” Tessa asked.

“I talked with Rosie earlier, and I think she’s going to try and relax.”

“You know, working with beads can be soothing,” Tessa said. “She’s got a shop full of them. Maybe she’ll make a necklace from time to time.”

“Any news on Nick?” I asked.

“Great news,” Tessa said. “Frankie Lawton got in touch with him, and Nick’s going to make some beads for him in the style Misty used to make.”

“
Terrific.”

“And Nick has been sleeping on the couch at Dylan’s apartment lately, and is going to help him with the rent.”

“That will definitely help Dylan make ends meet,” I said.

“
How’s everything working out with Stanley?” Tessa asked.

“
Val is completely smitten. She says she’s given up men for Stanley.”

“
We’ll see how long that lasts,” said Tessa, with a laugh.

“
Well, I’ve also got the challenge of getting Gumdrop and Stanley to like each other. We are somewhere between mild loathing and indifference.

“
They’re not getting along?”

“
It’s much better than it was. Before, it was a full-scale war.”

“And how’s your kitchen looking? Did Rudy finish painting?”

“Geez, he’s taking forever. He seems to like to come over and work each morning, then take a break in the afternoon when Val comes home from the salon. They’ve been on a
Star Trek
binge lately. It’s making me crazy.”

“
Star Trek
? Val just doesn’t seem the type,” said Tessa.

“I couldn’t agr
ee more. But, I’m getting the neighbor-of-Val discount, so I can’t complain.”

We heard a knock on the front door.
“Come on in,” hollered Tessa.

It was Tracy. She
walked through the house and sat with us on the back porch. We watched the boys and the dog rampage around the yard.

“
Tracy! Tracy! Look at this ball!” Benny handed her a wet and slobbered-on ball. “I threw it! The dog gave it back to me!”

“
Cool! You want to throw it to him one last time?”

“
Yay!” Benny threw the ball as far as he could, and Stanley went running after it.

“Okay
, kiddo. Let’s go, I have special friend named Dylan I’d like you to meet. I think you’re really going to like him.”

“Is he nice?” Benny asked.

“He’s terrific, and he’s looking forward to meeting you.”

“Someday I need to tell you about Tracy and Dylan. And Benny,” I whispered.

“What—”

“Shhhh. Don’t ruin the moment.”

And with that, Tessa and I looked at each other, clicked coffee cups, and smiled as Tracy and Benny walked hand in hand out the door.

AKNOWLEDGEMENTS

It takes a village to write a book. Thanks to all the amazing villagers who read, reviewed, and edited mine: Lori, Jennifer, Sharon, Pam, Leslie, Phyllis, Jim, and Deborah.

And an enormous thank you to Jeff and Kiera for their support, patience, and love. I couldn’t have done it without you.